Comedy Agents Exit APA For WME

– WME

Numerous APA agents and staff are making the jump to WME just a week after heavyweight comedy agent Michael Berkowitz left his position as head of comedy at APA to join WME as a partner.

Comedy agents Marcus Levy, Amy Lynch, and Andrew Russell will join WME’s comedy touring team. Agents Danielle Esparza and Tommy Pucciani are also moving to WME.

Lynch was an integral part of APA’s comedy department while Berkowitz ran the show, playing “an integral role in the strategic planning and deal negotiations for all of Berkowtiz’s major arena and theatre tours, with expertise in ticketing, analytics and promotion.” She has also worked as a producer and promoter with the likes of Theresa Caputo, John Cleese & Eric Idle, and Lilly Singh.

Russell headed up APA’s college comedy touring team, also working with podcasts and YouTube gamers, according to a statement from WME.

Levy specialized in off-Broadway shows like one-man shows, comedy productions and theatrical specials. He has worked with Colin Quinn and Damon Wayans Jr.

Marketing director, Jillian Doyle and financial director, Cara Nordberg are also coming over to WME.

The news of Berkowitz’s departure was initially shared by APA Dec. 6 when the company announced that his contract was not being renewed and Jackie Knobbe and Max Burgos would be the new co-heads of the comedy department. APA has not yet shared details regarding new hires or promotions to fill any vacancies.

Pollstar previously interviewed Berkowitz for an executive profile. He is one of the major comedy agents in the business and helped transition acts like Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer to arenas and to make comedy into an increasingly popular art form being distributed through many kinds of media.

“Stand-up is the purest way that artists can get their point of view out there to the world,” he said in the interview. “It’s natural that being a stand-up comic can turn into all these different platforms, whether it’s being an author, actor, director, producer or even a business mogul.”

Berkowitz joined APA in 2006 and made partner in 2011. He brings his impressive client roster to WME, including Aziz Ansari, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, John Mulaney, Hannibal Buress, Craig Ferguson, Mike Birbiglia, Bill Burr, and Anthony Jeselnik.